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Visit Estonia once and you wouldn’t want to pack your bags. It might be difficult for travelers with a limited amount of time to decide what to see in Tartu.
Through this Tartu blog, I will share with you some of the most interesting things to do in Tartu.
An itinerary of 5 days is good to see the most popular tourist attractions in Tartu. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. So, without further ado, let me present you some of the best things to do in Tartu, top things to do in Tartu and some helpful travel tips.
1. Estonian National Museum
One of the most visited museum in Estonia, Estonian National Museum is a museum preserving country’s national heritage.
Take the whirlwind journey through the country’s history – from primitive pottery and tools to coins and weaponry, and all the way to the twenty first century. The museum’s serene grounds are a favorite summer gathering place.
Quick Facts:
- It was in x19th century when it was established.
Address: Muuseumi tee 2, 60532 Tartu, Estonia
2. AHHAA Science Centre
Exploring technology & science, AHHAA Science Centre puts together the best of a museum and a learning center into one.
Children may engage with one of many interactive stations throughout the building. Older kids will appreciate digital workshops where they can unleash their creativity.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to AHHAA Science Centre is located in xcentral Tartu.
An incredible sight, AHHAA Science Centre scores high in the list of the best things to do in Tartu.
Address: Sadama 1, 51004 Tartu, Estonia
3. University of Tartu Museum
University of Tartu Museum is an interesting museum located in the Tartu city.
4. Tartu Toy Museum
Primarily aimed at young children, Tartu Toy Museum can be enjoyed but adults as well.
There is a children play corner, designed to keep them engaged for hours.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Tartu Toy Museum features include xa kids’ playroom.
With so much to offer, no wonder Tartu Toy Museum is one of the top things to do in Tartu.
Address: Lutsu 8, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
5. University of Tartu Botanical Gardens
University of Tartu Botanical Gardens is a large expanse of green located in the very heart of Tartu.
The garden was created to help in the scientific study of plants for research and medicinal purposes.
University of Tartu Botanical Gardens sweeps over a large area with diverse range of plant species. The arboretum is something to be seen, with thousands of species arranged scientifically.
Quick Facts:
- It was in x1803 when it was established.
Address: Lai 38, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
6. University of Tartu, Museum of Natural History
University of Tartu, Museum of Natural History is a great place to learn more about the biodiversity of the region.
Kids will love the terrarium, they can even learn how to make one themselves.
Without a doubt this wonderful natural history museum is one amongst the top things to do in Tartu.
Address: Vanemuise 46, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
7. St. John’s Church
A beautiful addition to city’s architecture, St. John’s Church is a pretty old church located in Tartu.
The adjoining cemetry has got quite a few famous people buried. As this is a sacred location, anyone who want to enter are advised to cover their knees and shoulders.
Quick Facts:
- A fine example of Gothic architecture, the church is a center of xLutheran faith.
- The church is dedicated to John the Baptist.
Address: Jaani 5, 51007 Tartu, Estonia
8. Tartu Cathedral
Quick Facts:
- Tartu Cathedral is also known as xDorpat Cathedral.
- The cathedral ruins belongs to the xRoman Catholic faith, but is visited by others too.
A natural crowd puller, Tartu Cathedral is right up there in the list of best things to do in Tartu.
9. Town Hall Square
Town Hall Square is the central plaza, the heart of the beautiful city of Tartu.
It is a part of the old town and a popular meeting point.
10. University of Tartu Old Observatory
An important center for astronomical studies, University of Tartu Old Observatory is one of the top observatories in the region.
A visit to University of Tartu Old Observatory is truly a treat for the amateur astronomers.
Quick Facts:
- Brought to life by the architect Johann Wilhelm Krause, observatory is a classic example of fine Neoclassical architecture.
- The observatory was opened on 1811.
Without a doubt this wonderful observatory is one amongst the top things to do in Tartu.
Address: Uppsala 8, 51003, 51003 Tartu, Estonia
11. Tartu Art Museum
A museum in Tartu housing some truly fantastic pieces of art.
Art expert or not, the Tartu Art Museum has enough to enchant you for an entire day. Numerous luminaries of the era gone by may be found in the gallery here.
Quick Facts:
- The art museum’s collection include art pieces by local Estonian artists.
12. Estonian Literary Museum
Estonian Literary Museum is a museum with unique collection situated in Tartu.
Quick Facts:
- The niche museum was opened on September 1940.
- The niche museum is dedicated to preserving literary jewels of the country.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Tartu trip.
Address: Vanemuise 42, 51003 Tartu, Estonia
13. KGB Cells Museum
An interesting museum in Tartu showcasing relics from the soviet era.
The musueum has a room in the basement which functioned as a place of interrogation.
There are propaganda posters too, giving you an interesting insight on the media of the times.
Address: Riia 15b, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
14. The Kissing Students
A skillfully sculpted statue, The Kissing Students stands as an icon of the city.
As it turns out, there is really an interesting story behind this statue. If you are into taking selfies, you are at the right place.
Add it to your Tartu trip if you have time.
15. Aura Waterpark
On a hot summer day there can’t be a better idea than to visit Aura Waterpark.
The water park has several fun rides, water slides, tubing wave pool and a wave machine.
Life guards as well as staff keep watch on the guests at all times. Young kids have their own pool that keeps them engaged.
Address: Turu 10, 51013 Tartu, Estonia
16. St. Paul’s Church
St. Paul’s Church, one of city’s medieval church, is one of the city’s many architectural gems.
It is well worth to pay a small donation, as it goes towards supporting the ongoing upkeep of this piece of history. The cemetry has got quite a few notable person buried.
Quick Facts:
- Brought to life by the architect Eliel Saarinen, church is a classic example of fine National Romantic style.
- The church was built somewhere around 1917.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Tartu trip.
Address: Riia 27, 50410 Tartu, Estonia
17. Supilinn
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 48 ha, it is difficult to take-in all in one go.
18. Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum
Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum is a museum of sports history located in Tartu.
Quick Facts:
- The sports Museum is located on xRüütli street.
- Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum was opened in x1963.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Tartu trip.
Address: 15, 51007 Rüütli, 51005 Tartu maakond, Estonia
19. Raadi Manor
Raadi Manor is a manor house as grand as it gets.
Quick Facts:
- The manor houses xthe Liphart noble family who were significant art collectors.
Address: 60534 Tartu, Estonia
20. St Mary’s Church
A beautiful addition to city’s architecture, St Mary’s Church is a house of christian worship located in Tartu.
A quiet looking cemetry adores the church ground. The inside of the church is adorned with a variety of gorgeous artwork.
Quick Facts:
- A fine example of Neoclassical architecture, the church is a center of xLutheran faith.
- Easy to get to St Mary’s Church is located in xTartu.
- The church was built somewhere around x19th century.
- The church was opened on 1841.
Add it to your Tartu trip if you have time.
Address: 51003 Tartu, Estonia
21. Dormition Cathedral
Dormition Cathedral is a beautiful Cathedral situated in Tartu.
Scale the church’s distinctive dome for a more comprehensive perspective of the city. One doesn’t need to be an art expert to appreciate the elaborate detail and artwork on the front façade.
Quick Facts:
- A fine example of Naryshkin Baroque, the cathedral is a center of xOrthodox faith.
- The cathedral was opened on 1782.
Address: Magasini 1, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
22. Tähtvere park
Tähtvere park is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Tartu.
Take a walk through this lovely park and simply enjoy the outdoors.
Sit on a bench and meditate or bring your favorite book or simply sit and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Tähtvere park provides the visitors with a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of Tartu.
Add it to your Tartu trip if you have time.
Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Tartu. In this Tartu travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Tartu but also what to do.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Tartu. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Tartu, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.
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